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SOUTH CANAAN, PA [STOTS Communications] – St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary is pleased to announce a new program of studies developed for theological training of lay parishioners who are involved in various leadership activities in their parish. This program is an expansion of already existing Diaconal Formation program, which has been successfully offered off-campus for last 9 years. Just like the Diaconal Formation program, Parish Lay Leadership Training Program is comprised of 4 semesters (2 academic years) during which participants are enrolled in graduate level courses in theology, scripture, church history and liturgics. In addition to this, the new program will also offer courses that are specifically geared towards training students to be better assistants to the pastor in various areas of parish life, like catechetical and Sunday school instructions, liturgical services and parish management.
For 2016-2017 school year the new program will only be offered in Philadelphia location with plans to expand it to other locations and possibly add more topic areas in the future. “The setting of the Diaconal Formation program proved to be very appealing to those who live within driving distance from our location and who can attend the program on Saturdays while holding full-time jobs” remarked Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk, the administrator of Philadelphia location of the program. “While we continue to give theological training to Diaconal candidates, we realize that there is a clear need to help parishes of our area by training those lay parishioners who desire to be actively involved in the lives of their communities and who could greatly benefit from structured coursework in such areas as Theology, Liturgy and Scripture.”
Archpriest Steven Voytovich, Seminary dean, shared his enthusiasm regarding the program development. “With the solid foundation of the diaconal training program components already in place, this expansion will offer significant opportunities for motivated laypersons to more actively serve the Church by accessing this spiritually enriching formational training,” stated Fr. Steven.
To access a flyer with more information, click here. To learn more about the details of new Diaconal Formation and Parish Lay Leadership Training program or to enroll in the program, please contact Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk by calling 215-745-3232 or emailing dean@ststephenscathedral.com .
